Hi Liz, I'm Dana. I'm also new to this. I'm planning on getting banded because I had some concerns over the sleeve. When I spoke to my doctor, he discussed the sleeve with me and I'm not comfortable with having 80% of my stomach removed.
As far as telling people, the only people I have told are my husband, my parents & sisters and a long-time neighbor (because she was me when I was in the hospital getting my pre-op tests done). Other than them, I have no immediate plans to tell anyone else. I especially don't want my in-laws to know until after the surgery because I need to hear positive comments and I know they'll say I'm taking the easy way out.
I've been overweight most of my life, with short periods of "skinny" mixed in. Getting this surgery was not an easy choice, I've debated this surgery for years. I've just gotten to the point where I feel like I need to do something if I want to see my son grow up. I know by taking the steps to have the surgery, I'm make a choice for healthier lifestyle. Today, I joined the gym and I'm starting to workout because I want to change and I WILL change.
Don't feel pressured to tell anyone. My friend (who referred me to her surgeon) had her surgery, has lost over 50 pounds (since March) and still hasn't told anyone. She just said she's working out and working with a nutritionist.
Good luck!!